Hello, I’m Naquana Borrero; many of you know me as the 2023 Chamber ATHENA Award winner in the young professional category. In addition to being an ATHENA, I hold many other titles and roles, including nonprofit fundraising executive, classical vocalist, and board member. However, one of the titles I am most proud of is ENTREPRENEUR. As we celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month, I want to reflect on the incredible opportunities that entrepreneurship offers, specifically to Millennials and Gen Z. These generations are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators and disruptors of today. With our creativity, technological fluency, and social consciousness, we are redefining what it means to work, earn, and build a better world.
The Landscape of Entrepreneurship Today
The entrepreneurship landscape has dramatically evolved over the past couple of decades, thanks to technological advances and a shift in societal values. The traditional 9-to-5, in-office job is no longer the only route to success. Today, more young people, as well as minorities and women, are choosing to forge their paths by starting their own businesses and pursuing their passions. As a member of all of these categories, I would like to share how entrepreneurship fits in my story.
I started my business in my college dorm room to financially support myself while studying classical voice. I saw a need for affordable event planning and worked on events in my hometown and surrounding area, planning anything from baby showers to corporate galas. As I expanded my education, I studied nonprofit management and began to focus on fundraising, allowing me to add services such as grant writing to my offerings. As I gained more professional experience and moved to a larger city, I continued to add more service categories while both identifying communities that were underserved in fundraising and development and responding to a growing market for Millennial expertise in philanthropy. This journey has given me the flexibility to support various fields of interest, allowing me to work in housing, education, the arts, and civil law. Today, I can proudly say that Bella Vita Consulting Group is one of Arizona’s only African American owned fundraising and nonprofit consulting firms.
Lastly, and most importantly, entrepreneurship has provided me with a financial haven during challenging times. It allowed me to continue working while I traveled to the East Coast to accompany my mom to chemotherapy treatments and supported me when I faced my own health battle with a brain tumor and subsequent brain surgery. These personal experiences highlight entrepreneurship’s numerous benefits, especially for young people navigating their unique journeys.
The Benefits of Entrepreneurship for Young Generations
- Flexibility and Independence: Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to create schedules and make decisions reflecting personal values. This flexibility helps balance personal lives and work in ways traditional jobs often cannot.
- Pursuing Passion Projects: For many young entrepreneurs, starting a business is about turning hobbies into careers. Whether launching an eco-friendly product line or offering freelance services, this passion-driven approach makes the entrepreneurial journey fulfilling.
- Creating Impact: Today, our generation is more socially conscious than ever. Entrepreneurship allows us to create a positive impact. By starting businesses that focus on sustainability and inclusivity, Millennials and Gen Z can build successful ventures while making a difference in their community and world.
- Building a Supportive Community: In the world of entrepreneurship, we’re not alone. Digital platforms have made it easier for us to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Social media groups and online networking events are our virtual water coolers, where we share resources, swap stories, and offer encouragement. This sense of community is a powerful antidote to the loneliness often felt in entrepreneurship, making the journey less daunting and more rewarding.
The path to entrepreneurship, however, is not without challenges. Many young entrepreneurs face barriers, including less access to funding, limited experience, and the pressure to succeed in a competitive market. However, these challenges can be overcome with determination, resilience, and support from mentors and networks. With the proper guidance and resources, anyone can turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
As we celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month, I encourage my fellow Millennials and Gen Z members to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re considering starting a business or already on your journey, remember that you have the power to create change and pursue your passions. I encourage those of you who are more experienced business owners to reach out and support those who are up and coming through both mentorship and sponsorship, especially those who historically have had less access to resources and capital.
Let’s continue to support one another, share our stories, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs. Together, we can shape a brighter future for ourselves and our community here in the Valley. For more about my work and how we can assist each other in our entrepreneurial journeys, follow me on LinkedIn or at www.bellavitaconsultinggroup.com. Let’s make our dreams a reality!
Happy National Entrepreneurship Month!
-Naquana
Naquana Borrero, CFRE, is a certified fundraiser, nonprofit executive at The Nash, and owner of Bella Vita Consulting Group. She serves on the Board of Directors and Co-Chair of IDEA for the Association of
Fundraising Professionals, Greater AZ Chapter, Co-Chair of Public Policy for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and is the immediate past President of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network- Phoenix Chapter. Naquana is a 2022 Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, 2023 Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce ATHENA recipient, and is a current Greater Phoenix Urban League Rising Star awardee. She is available for speaking engagements, workshops, and training.
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